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ODOT Warns Motorists of Runners; North Coast Says 'Come Back Later' |
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Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Yachats & Florence.
08/24/07
Secrets of the Season |
ODOT Warns Motorists of Runners; North Coast Says 'Come Back Later'
(Seaside,
Oregon) – The Oregon State Department of Transportation is warning
motorists to be careful along highways between Mount Hood and Portland
because of the 17,000 runners, walkers and support staff taking part in
the Hood To Coast Relay this weekend. Meanwhile, in the north Oregon coast
town of Seaside – where participants end up – some officials
there are asking people to actually stay away from the resort town, as
some 50,000 to 60,000 people are expected to flood the town and make things
more than a little uncomfortable.
ODOT says to watch out not only for runners and walkers along those highways and roads in Portland, but to be alert for extra traffic because of support vans involved in the event.
Arch
Cape Property Services.
Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch
Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
sea. |
Roads
that will be used in the event are Timberline Road (Highway 173); Mount
Hood Highway (U.S. 26); Clackamas-Boring (Highway 212); U.S. 30 (Lower
Columbia River Highway); Highway 47 and Highway 202.
Traffic from Portland to the north Oregon coast won’t be affected as participants hit smaller roads between St. Helens and Astoria, then head down Highway 101 to Seaside. This leaves Highway 26 through the coast range largely free of extra distractions.
Seaside is another matter, said Gary Diebolt, owner of Flashback Malt Shoppe and a councilman in Seaside.
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| Seaside's beach becomes a city of tents during big events like this |
“It’s going to be pandemonium,” Diebolt said.
When asked if he had suggestions for tourists coming to the town for the ultra-busy weekend, or how to deal with the heavier traffic, he simply replied, “Don’t.”
“Don’t
come out here this weekend,” Diebolt said. “You’ll get
a bad taste in your mouth for what the town has to offer. Come back another
time, when it’s not so insane. People are driving around for a long
time, trying to find a place to park. Sometimes they’ll have more
runners inside, who are already tired of walking.”
Diebolt
said he’s walking to work during the weekend. “Why should
I take my car and try and find a parking spot when there’s already
a lot of cars parked in my neighborhood? This is the weekend when locals
grab the groceries on Friday night and they don’t come out again
until Sunday.”
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.theoceanlodge.com |
Those rural roads around Olney and other small towns east of Astoria will get the brunt of the runners and walkers, but Diebolt said that probably won’t have any major impact there except for those gawking at the spectacle or residents along those roads taken by surprise.
“Those roads get maybe five cars a year,” Diebolt said, laughing. “They’ll get like 5,000 in one day.”
Diebolt
said Seaside will get hit on Saturday morning, when the first of the high
school contingent of the relay start arriving around 7 a.m. The walkers
usually start getting in about 11 a.m., and around noon the runners begin
arriving.
Some improvements have been made in traffic management in recent years for the event, he said. Shuttle buses grab people at the north end of town and bring them in, alleviating some congestion.
A couple of business people talked to by BeachConnection.net who did not want to be identified said restaurants and lodgings were the only real beneficiaries of the event, and many in the community don’t want the extra problems the event brings. They added many lodgings engaging in some serious gouging, with many rooms going for over $400 a night for this weekend.
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A1 Beach Rentals, Lincoln City. Perfect for large family vacations all the way down to a getaway lodging for two - with over 25 vacation rental homes to choose from. A breathtaking collection of craftsman or traditional beachfront homes, or oceanview houses – from one to seven bedrooms. In various areas of Lincoln City and overlooking the beach, with some in Depoe Bay. All kinds of amenities are available, like hot tubs, decks, BBQ, rock fireplaces, beamed ceilings and more. Some are new, some are historic charmers. Lincoln City, Oregon. 1-(503)-232-5984. www.a1beachrentals.com. |
D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. www.dsandsmotel.com. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925. |
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Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites,
1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people.
Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway
St. |
Lincoln City Vacation Homes Something for everyone: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All are either oceanfront or just a few steps away – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets allowed in some homes – ask first. Each comes with complete kitchens. Most have seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778. |
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com |
Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Dine in penthouse restaurant and bar, for casual meal or candlelight dinner. An array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to 1-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Also, wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference/meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive wedding possibilities. 4009 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com |
 Inn
at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south
end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by
the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach
strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering
gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms.
Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly.
Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine
and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At
Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com. |
STARFISH
POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium
lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the
beach. |
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